Soba is the Japanese name for buckwheat. It usually means thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, or a combination of buckwheat and wheat flours It has many more health benefits than regular noodles and can be found in most health food stores and organic sections of supermarkets. If you are using them, and you have cooked them and aren’t using them right away, rinse them again in warm water until they separate, otherwise they will be very sticky and one clump.

Jerusalem artichokes should not be confused with regular artichokes. They look like fresh ginger and have a nutty potato flavor to them. If you have leftover fries be sure to eat them within a day or two. Peel the artichokes with a peeler and then carefully slice them, because they are delicate and can fall apart if not handled gently.

Steak tips are just cut up pieces of amazingly juicy grilled steak – instead of having one whole. I usually like my steaks plain with salt and pepper but this is a fun alternative that will also taste great the next day!